Philly Grad

Kate Graduates!

The day has finally arrived and Katie donned her cap and gown for the presentation.  She looked so beautiful and Mary and I are so proud of her.  She is now  Kate Elizabeth McDougall  BA, MA., but the titles mean very little because she is Katie, our Katie. It was most important that she was a friend and made friends, she was a student and honoured her professors.  She loves God passionately and loves others.  She extended her love to all she worked with  and they responded to her as well.  We thank the Lord daily for saving her life when she was only a week old and know that God has special things in store for her.

The Urban Studies Department of Eastern University Philadelphia recognized her work and she was presented with the award of Outstanding Thesis of the Year.  I know that she would like to thank all of her professors, advisors, clients, and friends in this accomplishment.  We are so proud!  I guess I already said that.  We  can never say we love her too much.

Mary was unable to travel to Philly for the grad but Katie's Aunt Mary-Jane and Uncle Dennis as well as I made the trip.  I took some pictures of the event for Mary and would like to share them with you.  We arrived in Philadelphia Friday morning (May 13) and meeting Katie and Jared at "MugShots" across from the penitentiary. We spent the day touring and seeing where Kate lived during her time in Philly.  We met a lots of fellow students and family as a get together Friday evening.  It was great!  The music excellent.  Saturday we woke up to a dull overcast day but that did not dampen spirits as this was graduation day.  After a short tour in the morning we made our way to Eastern University Campus in St.Davids.  The campus is beautiful and we had a chance to look around.  Just before the graduates arrived for the presentations, the rain began.  Quickly rain gear was used to protect us from the elements and we went on with the presentation.  Thousands of students graduated that day but we only saw one  and she was most important to us.  That evening Jared's mom and dad, Charlotte and Dan took us all out to the London Grill for supper.  It was so nice and we would like to deeply thank them . 

Sunday morning we headed back north arriving in Thessalon  about 8pm.  It was wonderful to see Mary and give her all the news.  We looked at the pictures and went over every part of the trip.  Mary and I pray that Katie will continue to follow her heart and love God with all her might.  We love you Kate!

Spring Wedding

May 7^th 2011 was a milestone in our family.  Our baby  Alyssa Mary Rose got married today.  How can that be?  It seems that it was only yesterday that I held this little baby in my arms coming home from the hospital in Sault Ste. Marie.  This little girl had changed our lives as Josh and Katie were almost teenagers when she came into our lives.  We had almost forgotten about diapers, baby bottles, tricycles, kindergarten and childcare.  We must say however that this little girl was the best for us, helped us to stay young and extend our joy. 

The wedding was another joyful experience for us and a wonderful time.  Aly said it best "This wedding is all I've dreamed of".  The day was beautiful and seemed to be ordered.  Friday had been a cool wet day, dull and overcast.  When we woke Saturday morning it was evident from first light that this day was special.  The wedding was held on the farm of Tim and Judy Stewart in Thessalon.  The ceremony was on the front yard, with hay bales as seating and cows grazing in the field adjoining.

Matt, our new son-in-law was nervous and excited.  Matt's family, "the Clarks" from Moosonee,  were present in force, helped so much with the preparation and the wedding from start to cleanup. As you see from the pictures it was a joyful, casual and wonderful occasion. 

Mary and I would like to thank every one who helped with the wedding and it made the day so special.  It was the eleventh day since Mary's last chemo treatment and she was feeling well but tired quickly. At the end of the day she was just elated that things had gone so well.  It will be a very special memory for us and time when we saw the blessings we have in our Lord.  Thanks for your prayers.